Maracaibo or Venezuela is a Restricted Travel Destination from the USA.
Maracaibo, Zulia in Venezuela: Overview
Maracaibo is a city and the capital of the state of Zulia in Venezuela. Nicknamed “The Beloved Land of the Sun“, Maracaibo is located on the western shore of the strait that connects Lake Maracaibo to the Gulf of Venezuela. It is the second-largest city in Venezuela, after the national capital, Caracas.
Thanks to the vast crude oil reserves in the shores of Lake Maracaibo, Maracaibo has become an epicenter of economic and financial activities in Venezuela. It triggered the development of public services including electricity and, hence is also referred to as the “The First City of Venezuela.”
Travel to the destination is restricted from the USA, according to the U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs. – Travel Advisory, December 2, 2019
Airport in Maracaibo, Zulia
Maracaibo’s La Chinita International Airport Location: The airport is situated in Marcaibo. The driving distance from Maracaibo, Venezuela to La Chinita International Airport is: 8 miles / 13 km
Popular Airlines: Avior Airlines, Copa Airlines, LASER Airlines, Turpial Airlines
Nonstop Destinations: Bogotá, Caracas, Conviasa, Porlamar, Panama City–Tocumen,Valencia (VE)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel to Maracaibo is restricted from the USA? Due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens., U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS has restrictd the travel to the destination country.
What is the Best Time to Visit Maracaibo? The best times to visit Maracaibo are between November and December (autumn) and between March and April (spring). Temperature stays consistent throughout the year. So, temperature doesn’t bring any significant change to the flow of tourists. What makes the difference is the rain. The rainy season starts from April and lasts till November. September and October are the months of torrential downpour. December to March is the peak time of tourism. The high tourist influx triggers the airfare and hotel rentals.
What are the top things to do in Maracaibo, Venezuela? If this is your family vacation and you want your kids to enjoy it the most, add Vereda del Lago to your things to do list. This is an excellent combination of park, lake, and garden spread over 25,000-square-metre. The eco complex is home to facilities including swimming pools for infants, children, and adults; tents; parasols; eating facilities, and gift shops. Kids love to play with the interactive games centered on the culture of the Caribbean, nine slides for younger children, a collection of small fountains. Aguamania has two body-slides and two raft-slides. So, expect an excellent time to spend together. Jog, picnic, play with the kids and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
2. General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge The cable-stayed bridge connecting Maracaibo with the rest of the country is a significant tourist spot. It spans 8,678 meters (5.392 mi) from shore to shore. The entire length has got five segments each measuring 235 meters (771 ft) long. The bridge is supported from the bottom by 92-metre (302 ft) tall towers.
3. Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá This church is a signature of neoclassicism. If you are traveling during November, you could have an opportunity to attend the feast day, which falls on November 18, with thousands of devotees.
If you are looking for some unforgettable beach activities, head to Cayo De Agua, Madrisqui, Cayo Sombrero, Noronky Beach, Mochima National Park, or Playa El Yaque. Enjoy turquoise water, white sand, and tranquility and play with dolphins and other water inhabitants.
How much time does it take to reach Maracaibo from the USA? Route | Flight Time |
City to Maracaibo (JFK to MAR) | 4 hours 39 minutes |
Las Vegas to Maracaibo (LAS to MAR) | 6 hours 58 minutes |
Houston to Maracaibo (HOU to MAR) | 4 hours 31 minutes |
Los Angeles to Maracaibo(LAX to MAR) | 7 hours 13 minutes |
Washington to Maracaibo(WAS to MAR) | 4 hours 28 minutes |
Miami to Maracaibo(MIA to MAR) | 2 hours 58 minutes |